Sabah State Mufti, Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar, has thrown his support behind the six public whippings recently carried out in Terengganu under Shariah law.

Bungsu said the punishment is in line with “takzir” — an Islamic legal principle allowing religious authorities to determine penalties for offences not explicitly outlined in the Quran.

The punishment, he added, serves as a deterrent and aligns with Shariah law requirements.

“In Sabah, people say if something is hidden or secret, no one will know, and it won’t deter others,” he said.

The whipping in Terengganu was carried out under strict conditions, with only select individuals allowed to witness it.

Bungsu stressed that such punishments should not be politicised or turned into a religious debate.

“This is a matter of ‘ijtihad’ (independent reasoning) by the religious authorities in Terengganu. Their decision cannot be annulled by other parties.”

He noted that similar punishments have previously been enforced in Sabah.

“I was told by the Chief Shariah Judge of Sabah that this punishment has been carried out, like in Tawau, though I can’t recall the exact date.”

The mufti also urged critics to understand the context of the ruling before passing judgment.

Terengganu’s public whipping case has sparked national debate, but Bungsu believes it reflects proper implementation of Islamic law. – January 3, 2025